A LIBRARY has put a £10,000 donation to good use by refurbishing its Learning Zone.

The cash from Shell UK (Stanlow) has enabled Ellesmere Port Library to pay for painting and decorating, carpeting, joinery and electrical work, and installation of new fixtures and fittings.

It was Shell which had stepped in with an initial donation of £10,000 to the library back in 1999 when it was asked to help transform an underused section into an interactive computer suit and study area.

The aim was to help people who wanted to improve their chances of finding skilled employment.

Since then the Learning Zone has exceeded all of its targets, but after seven years of continual use the centre was beginning to show signs of wear and tear and further refurbishment was necessary.

Shell public affairs manager Edward Brady said: 'The Learning Zone has been a tremendous success story and we are delighted to be playing a part in that.

'It is an initiative which has delivered on its promises and given many hundreds of local people the opportunity to re-skill and advance.'

Cheshire County Council group librarian Roger Booth said: 'We are very grateful to Shell UK for its invaluable support in launching the Learning Zone.

'Their donation has helped us to refurbish the Shell Room after eight years of continuous use and provide a valuable general-purpose space where we can display a range of information and guidance crucial to helping adults learn and develop their careers.

'The Learning Zone offers learning opportunities to local residents and with this much needed facelift it can continue to support local learners in a friendly, welcoming atmosphere for many years to come.'